ProAudio Review - March 2009 - (Page 33)

Product Points Big sound; nice midrange; gets plenty loud Reasonable price Rear power switch Non-detented volume pot Softens transients Fast Facts Applications Project studio, commercial studio, location recording Key Features Self-powered; curved front baffles; front logo power indicator; front-firing design; 120/240-volt operation Price $499 list (per Rokit 8), $599 list (10s) The KRK 8 with 10S sub is a great-looking monitoring system with accurate low end; it loves rock music. Score Contact KRK Systems, LLC | 954-316-1580 | www.krksys.com Summary The Rokit 8 G2 and 10s subwoofer make for a great entry-level speaker system, and the 8 is a well-made match for the 10s. The 8’s extreme high-end response may be too subtle for some styles of music or for those who listen quietly, but they are perfect for those who listen a little louder or are mixing somewhat more aggressive styles of music. Can you say, “Excellent rock monitor”? I thought you could. mini review JBL has hit the sweet spot with the versatile Control 2P ($249 list), a compact powered monitor that fits multiple applications from audio production to AV, electronic instruments, and home entertainment. The newest member of the Control Series, the Control 2P is an ideal size for desktop audio and video. The 35-watts-perchannel system fits nicely in a DAW setup: in this instance, a set of Control 2Ps are providing sound for an iMac-based Logic/Final Cut/Pro Tools home studio that doubles as a hub for iTunes and CD playback, internet radio streaming, and DVDVideo playback. Control 2P monitors are very simple to set up and operate. Powered master and passive extension speakers, an extension speaker wire, and power supply (all included) are all one needs to be up and running. For desktop audio, be sure to snap on the included pedestals for on-axis listening — by Christopher Walsh JBL Control 2P Compact Powered Desktop Monitor the Control 2Ps are quite directional. For wall mounting, JBL offers the optional MTC2P kit. The master speaker features a white LED on the front to indicate power. A red LED flashes when the speaker is approaching thermal protect mode, and glows continuously to indicate that the system should be turned off to cool (in my experience, neither has yet to occur). On the master speaker’s side is a large volume control and 3.5 mm headphone jack. The rear panel houses the power switch, DC power input, and most of the Control 2P’s in- and outputs. Near the center are combination Neutrik XLR/TRS balanced inputs for the master and extension speakers. RCA inputs are also found on the master speaker’s back panel, as is the 1/4inch extension speaker jack. Lastly, an HF adjust switch allows +2 and -2 dB settings to increase or decrease high frequency. Having tested and worked with a variety of desktop monitoring systems, I found the Control 2Ps the best solution, to date, for my needs. With an 80 Hz - 20 kHz frequency range, they deliver a broad, accurate spectrum at low and moderate levels (the Control 2Ps can get plenty loud, too, and remain accurate at high levels). Solid low frequencies without the need for a bulky subwoofer crowding the floor — that’s a welcome change. In my application, the multiple outputs allow monitoring directly from the computer, via a 3.5 mm-to-RCA adapter, for Logic and Final Cut (and iTunes and DVD), or from a Digidesign Mbox for Pro Tools. My Steinway grand pian — well, the virtual Steinway in Logic’s EXS24 mkII sampler — sounds fantastic through the Control 2Ps; if that were their only function, they would be well worth the (attractive) price. JBL, www.jblpro.com www.proaudioreview.com March 2009 | ProAudioReview 33 http://www.krksys.com http://www.jblpro.com http://www.proaudioreview.com

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ProAudio Review - March 2009 Contents Technically Speaking New Studio Products Opinion: Studio Sense Gear Trends In Nashville Focusrite Liquid Mix HD TDM Plug-in Daking Mic-Pre One sE Electronics RNR1 Active Ribbon Microphone WAVES Tony Maserati Plug-in Collection KRK Systems Rokit 8 G2 Monitors and 10s Subwoofer JBL Control 2P Powered Desktop Monitors Neumann TLM 103D Digital Microphone System Violet Design “The Wedge” Condenser Microphone New Live Products Opinion: Worship Audio Fender Passport Deluxe PD-500 Portable PA PAR Contributor Of The Month Behringer 2442FX 10x4x2 Analog Mixer Single Slice

ProAudio Review - March 2009

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